Restoring Ecosystems by Replacing Invasive Species in PA

By Blake Jackson

In Pennsylvania, efforts to combat invasive species and restore native ecosystems are gaining momentum. The Invasive Replace-ive event, hosted by the Invasive Species Council at the Cumberland County Conservation District Office, gathered leaders from various state agencies, including the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Department of Agriculture (PDA), the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC).

Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn of DCNR emphasized, “Native species are vital to healthy ecosystems in Pennsylvania.” Invasive species disrupt the natural food chain and reduce resources for wildlife.

Through initiatives like Invasive Replace-ive, the state aims to remove invasive plants and replace them with native species that restore ecosystems and support biodiversity.

The event featured the distribution of native plants to participants, who were encouraged to incorporate them into their landscapes to support ecological restoration.

Timothy R. Haydt of the PGC highlighted the role of native ecosystems in supporting Pennsylvania’s 480 species of native birds and mammals, emphasizing that invasive species disrupt these habitats and affect wildlife survival.

In addition to the Invasive Replace-ive events, Pennsylvania Native Species Day on May 20, 2025, will celebrate the importance of native species and encourage communities to host events throughout May.

The day will focus on the role of native species in sustaining ecosystems, with an emphasis on promoting education and awareness.

Fred Strathmeyer Jr. from the PDA pointed out that invasive trees and shrubs are harmful to both landscapes and farms, saying, “Replacing invasives with beneficial natives is one way homeowners can eliminate threats to their farming neighbors.” 

Tim Schaeffer from the PFBC also discussed the importance of native species in aquatic ecosystems, explaining, “These native fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and plants bring our waters to life.”

Photo Credit: pennsylvania-d.epartment-of-agriculture